OUT & ABOUT: MONSTER JAM
By Rafa Carvajal | Photos courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Monster Jam, the thrilling motorsport competition, returns to Marlins Park February 16-17, 2019 with exciting new monster trucks. Attendees will once again get to experience fan-favorites such as the Grave Digger driven by Charlie Pauken, Whiplash driven by Brianna Mahon, Megalodon driven by Cory Rummell, El Toro Loco driven by Becky McDonough, and many more.
These powerful, enormous trucks are capable of doing backflips, vertical two-wheel skills and reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, all driven by female and male athletes who have mastered them. Fans will also have the chance to vote for the winner in the two-wheel and freestyle competitions on their smartphones. To get up close and personal, you can buy the Pit Party pass that allows for early access to the event for photo opportunities and autographs. Tickets can be purchased by visiting monsterjam.com, or in-person at the box office at Marlins Park.
Wire Magazine sat down with Jon Zimmer, a Vermont-native who drives the new Dragon Ice truck in the upcoming show, to preview this year’s Monster Jam.
Rafa Carvajal: Tell our readers about the upcoming Monster Jam show
coming to Marlins Park February 16-17.
Jon Zimmer: The upcoming Monster Jam show at Marlins Park will
bring a new level of excitement for the whole family. There are two shows
coming to Marlins Park on February 16 at 7 p.m., with a Pit Party from 2-5:30
p.m., and on February 17 at 3 p.m. with a Pit Party from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m.
RC: What exciting new elements are being added this year?
JZ: Two brand new truck designs: Megalodon Fire and Dragon Ice have been
added this year. In a true clash of the elements, fans will get to see the
hottest, coolest, and biggest trucks compete on the track complete with
four-wheel racing, two-wheel skills, and freestyle competitions with the new
specialty trucks.
RC: How did you become a monster truck driver and what first drew you to
the sport?
JZ: I have been in the sport for 20 years. When I was eight years old, I
was drawn in by Grave Digger. Mostly it was Dennis Anderson that drew me in and
the way he was with his fans.
RC: What is it like driving a monster truck and what do you enjoy the most
about being a driver?
JZ: It’s unexplainable! It’s like driving a race car on a roller coaster
track, but not knowing the outcome – and that is the exciting part. The part I
enjoy the most is the fans. There is no other motorsport that allows so much
time with the fans, and Monster Jam gives me that opportunity to have
face-to-face interactions with them.
RC: What is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to you while
driving your monster truck?
JZ: For me, the most exciting part isn’t driving; it’s the special moments
with loyal, lifelong fans that become friends over the years.
RC: What drove you to become a monster truck driver?
JZ: The excitement and the fans. The Pit Party before the show really
allows us the special opportunity to meet the amazing people that come to see
the show. I love the interaction with the fans.
RC: Why is Monster Jam so popular with fans of all ages?
JZ: The action on the track. You can’t compare it to anything else. It’s
unpredictable, unscripted and unforgettable. This sport gives everyone a chance
to meet and interact with their favorite drivers.
RC: Tell us about your background and the challenges you have overcome to
get to where you are today.
JZ: I grew up in Vermont and raced snowmobiles and quads. I started as a
mechanic and worked my way into driving. I dedicated my life to being on the
road, but that didn’t leave much time with the family.
RC: Describe yourself in three words.
JZ: Fun, determined and hard-working.
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers who love
motorsports?
JZ: If you are into motorsports, you love horsepower. It’s 1,500 horsepower
going 30 feet in the air. Nothing else in the world can compare to that.
This was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 3.2019